Reasons Seniors Should Always Wear Sunscreen
With summer in full swing, it has never been more important for seniors to make sure they are protecting themselves from the heat and harmful UV rays of the sun. Of course there are ways to stay in the shade, and wear clothing that covers your skin. However, these tricks can only do so much when it comes to protecting yourself as a senior living in Lakewood. In this blog, we will be discussing why you should always wear sunscreen if you are going to be spending time outdoors this summer.
Our Skin Thins as We Age
As we get older, the fatty layers underneath the surface of our skin starts to thin out. In addition to this, it can also become harder for your body to hold onto water. This means your skin can become thinner and drier than it used to be. When this happens, the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate more deeply into your skin, and impact your health in much bigger ways. However, by being proactive and wearing sunscreen every time you are going to be exposed to the sun, you can help mitigate this issue. Even if you wear a lot of shade and coverings, it can still be a good idea to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin; such as your hands, face, chest/neck, feet, etc. This can help you prevent issues like sunburn, heat rash, and even skin cancer—which we will be discussing below.
Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer
Unfortunately, skin cancer is a condition that can happen as a result of cumulative sun exposure over the course of our whole life. When we get problems like sunburn, it can actually damage our skin on a cellular level—even breaking down the DNA of our skin. This problem can be exacerbated by age, since skin starts to get thinner and thinner, and other systems of our body may slow down as well. Our ability to heal and fight infections diminishes as we age. This is why it is so very important to be proactive as much as possible the older we get. If you are a senior in memory care in Lakewood, make sure you and your loved ones always have a broad spectrum 30 SPF sunscreen on hand at all times for when you are going to be outside.
Some Medications can Make You More Sun-Sensitive
Many seniors have to take specific medications for a myriad of issues. However, many seniors do not realize that some medications can make them even more sensitive and susceptible to sun damage. Always discuss all possible side effects with your primary care physician, so you can be proactive about your health and overall well-being.
MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living in Lakewood.
